The Effect of Occupational Exposure to Lead on Blood Hemoglobin Concentration in Workers of Kermanshah Oil Refinery

Background: Blood hemoglobin can be damaged by toxins such as lead. Thus, this study was carried out to assess its blood hemoglobin concentration in the staff of Kermanshah Oil Refinery that had been exposed to lead components. Methods: In this study, 150 workers at Kermanshah Oil Refinery were selected as the case group and 70 workers of textile industry factory were chosen as the control group. Informed written consent was obtained from them for participation in the study and blood sampling. Blood hemoglobin level was assessed by SAHLI method and serum lead concentration was assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometery at 217.4 nm. The results were analyzed by statistical procedures, such as correlation test, and P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The results showed that the presence of a statistically significant difference between hemoglobin levels (P<0.05). Mean hemoglobin level was 15.96gr/100cc in the control group and 12.51gr/100cc in the case group. There was a significant relationship between lead exposure and hemoglobin level. Conclusion: Lead is a toxin that its chronic exposure decreases hemoglobin level. Protective measures should be anticipated to save the workers from harms of lead exposure.